ELMAU, Germany (Fwrd Axis) — The United States is set to announce this week that it has purchased an advanced missile defense system for Ukraine, a senior administration official tells FWRD AXIS News.
President Joe Biden is currently overseas meeting with world leaders at the G-7 and NATO meetings focused on Ukraine. Earlier this month, the President agreed to provide Ukraine with $700 million in military aid, including more weapons that the United States has already offered to the country such as Javelin anti-tank missiles.
Ukrainian officials have asked for the missile defense system due to its ability to hit targets more than 100 miles away. However, sources say the Ukrainian military will likely require training to use the NASAMS system.
Also earlier this month, the Biden administration provided an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, which included shipments of ammunition and coastal defense systems. The news comes after an attempt to sell drones to Ukraine was paused earlier in the year.
As mentioned above, the announcement comes amid Biden’s meetings with world leaders in Germany and Spain in supporting Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday renewed his calls for more weapons and air defense systems to be provided to his country.
Biden will begin Monday’s meetings with a focus on Ukraine before being joined by the leaders from India, Indonesia, South Africa, Senegal, and Argentina to discuss climate change, energy, and other issues.
“We need a powerful air defense — modern, fully effective. Which can ensure complete protection against these missiles. We talk about this every day with our partners. There are already some agreements. And partners need to move faster if they are really partners, not observers,” he said in a video address.
“Delays in the transfer of weapons to our state, any restrictions are actually an invitation for Russia to strike again and again.”
Stephen Michael reported from the United States.
